The superintendent of Gorham Schools has posted a letter on the district's website trying to reassure parents and students following a threat that has been circulating on Facebook.

Superintendent Ted Sharp said in the letter there was a Facebook rumor that suggested that on Friday high schools in Cumberland and York counties would be the targets of someone intending to do harm.

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However, the origin of the threat has not been determined, according to Sharp.

He said school officials met with Gorham police Wednesday morning to discuss their safety procedures.

As a result, Sharp said there will be an increased law enforcement presence at the high school Thursday and Friday and increased patrols at the town's other schools.

"While threats like this are, unfortunately, not uncommon in our society, please know that we take each one most seriously and that each school has a constantly updated emergency (crisis plan), a plan that has been developed through a combined effort of law enforcement and safety officials and school administrators and staff," said Sharp in the letter.

Sharp said anyone who notices suspicious behavior, even online, should contact Gorham police.

Wednesday evening, Portland's superintendent confirmed the district had learned about the Facebook threat.

Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk said that even though the threat does not refer specifically to Portland Public Schools, the district is taking every precaution to keep students and staff safe.

"All of our schools have emergency plans in place and our staff members are familiar with those plans. Deering and Portland High Schools will continue to have full-time police officers on site to provide assistance, and an officer will be provided on December 21 to the Casco Bay High School and Portland Arts and Technology High School location. In addition, the police will continue their increased patrols for this week," said Caulk in a statement.

Maine State Police confirmed to News 8 that investigators are trying to track down the source of the threat and are working with the Maine Department of Education on the situation.